Barry McGuigan sees Joseph Parker as one of the top-notch heavyweights on the planet right now as the New Zealander prepares to defend his WBO title for the first time.

The promoter, who recently severed ties with star man Carl Frampton, is known to be on the look out for a top fighter to fill the void and admitted he’d love to have Parker on board.

“It’s pretty obvious he’s one of the finest talents in the heavyweight division, if not the finest,” said McGuigan.

“He’s really coming on in leaps and bounds. I really wish I had a hold of Joseph Parker. I wish I could get my son to train him because he is a really special talent, no question about it.”

“I’m a purist and I watch all the talent in the country, in the world and obviously it starts here, watching whats happening in the UK and Ireland, but when you get heavyweights that are sort of a breed of their own, he stands out for me and I know he’s got a bit of criticism of late but I genuinely believe he’s going to be very special.”